The Balance of Heart and Head

Twenty-first Century Christians are surrounded by philosophical contradictions both within (the church) and without (the culture). From morality to missions, consistent-inconsistency reigns. There has never been a time of greater potential for kingdom expansion, yet the Christian church is having an identity crisis. The church is turned upside down in turmoil, with inward fighting and outward fear. We have constructed buildings in the world, but have somehow isolated and insulated the hands and feet of Jesus in the process. The church is not changing the world because it's afraid of the world. The lost community seems to be enjoying a ride on a crazy train that is quickly approaching the end of the line. They are in desperate need of spiritual rescue, but no one seems to care.

Believers have often misunderstood the words of Jesus found in John 17:11-21. 

11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.  12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.  13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.  14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.   15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do.  17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.  18 Just as you sent me into the world; I am sending them into the world.  19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.  20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

We live in a day when the average Christian has no idea how to respond to the surrounding challenges, and believers can't seem to agree on anything. We are more divided than ever on every issue related to ministry practice and philosophy. The church seems confused on every side. It seems the vulnerable foundations of our past American Christianity have been exposed, but no one is offering a clear plan for tomorrow. 

Jesus gives us a major hint to our current problem in verse 14. His gift of power to us was the revealed Word of God, yet this is the very thing some say we should be less interested in today. I want to set the tone for this ministry in the first post. The Bible doesn't just contain the truth; the Bible is total truth. Without scripture, a preacher is simply giving people a motivational talk that will only have momentary benefit. We need eternal truth, and God's Word provides that. In fact, Jesus says the truth of scripture is the means by which we will remain holy in this sin sick world (verse 17).

Next Jesus makes it clear that He is not taking us out of the world, no more than a soldier should be taken out of the war, or an athlete should be taken out of the game. While we don't "belong to this world," we must be actively living in this world to accomplish the mission of God (verses 15-16). I'm afraid we have run from the battlefield. While the message of Jesus is "Come to Me," the modern church seems to have constructed isolated temples that scream "stay away!"

I am starting this blog in hopes of helping the church to reconnect the head and the heart. We must wake up the true Christian church to the need for an immediate change of heart, while presenting a practical strategy for future expansion amid this complicated church and cultural context. I want to provide resources that every believer from the middle school to the senior center will find a practical, bringing generations together for the cause of Christ. We must stop depending exclusively on either, but instead maintain a balance of heart and mind when it comes to the ministry and mission of the church.

Though the world seems to be turning upside down, this societal confusion could prove to be a “good grief” after all. Yes, Christians must see these cultural challenges as God-given opportunities for truth to win. We need to use our hearts and our heads for His glory. Truth is on our side, and no weapon formed again us will prosper (Is 54:17). I plan to provide at least one post per week to churches and ministry leaders, offering practical  help to navigate the journey ahead. Our Church IQ team, led by me and Amy, will make every effort to provide clear strategic advice on how to maintain this balance and remain faithful to the calling of God amid the chaotic context of our ministry. We desire to build relationships with local churches who desire to see a significant increase in kingdom impact in our culture. Please reach out if you are interested in discussing how we may partner together to see revitalization and restoration in the local church.

This is an opportune time for the church to step up to the plate and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Don't be afraid to check your church's mission IQ. No, we're not talking about intelligence, but IMPACT. 

I look forward to walking this journey with you as leaders in the mission.